Frizzante
Frizzante (Italian pronunciation: [fritˈtsante]) is a category of lightly sparkling wine defined under Italian wine law. The term derives from the Italian verb frizzare, meaning "to fizz" or "to sparkle", and refers to wines with a gentler effervescence than fully sparkling spumante[1].
Background
Under Italian regulations, frizzante wines must have an internal bottle pressure between 1.0 and 2.5 bar, lower than the 3.0 bar minimum required for spumante[2]. This reduced pressure produces a subtler mousse and a softer mouthfeel. Historically, the style developed in several Italian regions where traditional winemaking or climatic conditions favoured a lighter sparkle, such as parts of Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy[3].
Characteristics
Frizzante wines range from dry to sweet and may be white, rosé, or red. The effervescence is typically gentle, creating a mild prickling sensation rather than a persistent stream of bubbles. Styles vary widely, but many are made from local grape varieties such as Glera, Lambrusco, and Malvasia[4]. The lighter carbonation can enhance the perception of freshness while preserving varietal aromas.
Use in winemaking
Several production methods are used to achieve the frizzante style. The Charmat (tank) method is common for fresh, aromatic wines, while some producers employ traditional bottle fermentation with an earlier halt to preserve lower pressure. Artificial carbonation is also permitted for certain entry-level wines[5]. Frizzante wines are often intended for early consumption and are served slightly chilled, making them popular in informal dining and as an aperitif[6].
See also
References
- ↑ Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali, “Definizione di vino frizzante”, politicheagricole.it. (Italian original)
- ↑ Consorzio di Tutela del Prosecco DOC, “Spumante e Frizzante: le differenze”, prosecco.wine. (Italian original)
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Wine Folly, “Frizzante vs. Spumante”, winefolly.com.
- ↑ Italian Trade Agency, “Frizzante Wines Overview”, italianwinecentral.com.